Knowing what to look for when checking your moles can help you spot changes that should be assessed by a medical professional.
One of the most widely used ways of checking a mole is the ABCDE method. It provides a simple way to remember five features that can sometimes indicate that a mole needs closer examination.
We’ve created this short video with Dr Lydia to explain the ABCDE mole check and what to look for when examining your own skin.
Watch the video above for a quick guide to checking your moles using the ABCDE method.
What does ABCDE stand for?
The ABCDE method looks at Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter and Evolving.
It is not a diagnostic test and a mole does not need to show every feature to warrant professional assessment. Instead, it is a useful guide to help you recognise changes or characteristics that may need further investigation.
A – Asymmetry
Look at the overall shape of the mole.
A typical benign mole may be relatively symmetrical, so if one half looks noticeably different from the other, it is worth getting it checked.
You can imagine drawing a line through the middle of the mole. If the two sides look very different, this is something to take note of.
B – Border
Look at the edge of the mole.
A mole with a smooth, clearly defined border is generally less concerning than one with an irregular, ragged, scalloped or poorly defined edge.
However, appearance alone cannot determine whether a mole is benign or malignant, so any mole that looks unusual or is changing should be professionally assessed.
C – Colour
Look for changes or variation in colour.
A mole may contain different shades of brown, black, red, pink, white or blue. Uneven or changing pigmentation can be a reason to seek medical advice.
It is also useful to compare one mole with the others on your body. If one mole looks noticeably different from the rest, it may be an example of what is sometimes called the “ugly duckling” sign. This is another useful warning sign when checking your skin.
D – Diameter
Traditionally, the D in ABCDE refers to diameter.
A mole larger than around 6mm, approximately the size of a pencil eraser, may warrant closer attention. However, size should not be considered in isolation. A smaller mole can still require assessment if it is changing or looks unusual.
E – Evolving
For many people, this is one of the most important things to look for.
Evolving means changing.
Keep an eye out for a mole that changes in:
- Size
- Shape
- Colour
- Texture
- Height or thickness
Other changes such as persistent itching, bleeding, crusting or oozing should also be assessed.
A mole that was previously stable but starts behaving differently deserves attention.
Don’t forget the “ugly duckling” sign
ABCDE is useful, but it is not the only way to monitor your moles.
Another important principle is to look for the “ugly duckling” — a mole that looks noticeably different from the other moles on your body.
You may have several moles that are similar in appearance, with one that stands out because it is darker, larger, differently shaped or simply looks unusual.
The London Mole Removal Centre recommends being alert to this difference when carrying out regular self-checks.
How often should you check your moles?
There is no need to become preoccupied with examining your skin every day. Instead, make regular skin checks part of your normal health routine.
It can be particularly helpful to check areas that are difficult to see, such as your back, scalp and the backs of your legs. A partner or family member can help with areas that are hard to examine yourself.
The aim is to become familiar with what is normal for your skin so that you are more likely to notice something that changes.
If you have numerous moles, atypical moles, significant previous sun exposure or other risk factors for skin cancer, your doctor may recommend more regular professional monitoring.
When should a mole be professionally checked?
The ABCDE rule is intended to help you recognise potential warning signs, but it cannot tell you whether a mole is cancerous.
If you notice a new or changing mole, or one that looks significantly different from your other moles, arrange an assessment with a doctor.
Professional mole checks can involve a clinical examination and dermoscopy, which allows a doctor to examine structures beneath the surface of the skin that cannot be seen with the naked eye. The London Mole Removal Centre also offers full-body mole checks and mole mapping where appropriate.
You can find out more about professional mole checks and what to expect.
ABCDE is a guide, not a diagnosis
It is important not to rely on the ABCDE checklist alone.
Some concerning lesions may not display all five features, while many harmless moles can have one or more characteristics that look unusual.
That is why a mole that concerns you should be assessed by a qualified medical professional rather than diagnosed from photographs, online information or a self-check alone.
If a doctor considers a mole suspicious, they can advise whether monitoring, removal or further investigation is appropriate. Where a mole is removed, histology can be used to examine the tissue under a microscope and establish the diagnosis. You can read more in our article, Histology (Mole Testing): What It Is, Why It’s Needed, and Why It Costs Extra.
Check your skin. Know your moles.
The ABCDE method is a simple way to become more familiar with your skin and recognise changes that deserve attention.
Watch our short video with Dr Lydia for a quick visual guide to the five ABCDE signs, and remember that if you are concerned about a mole, professional assessment is the safest way to find out whether it needs further investigation.
For more information, see our mole self-check guide or find out about full-body mole checks and mole mapping.
Watch the video on YouTube
You can also watch the ABCDE mole check with Dr Lydia on YouTube.
Book a Mole Check
If you have noticed a new, changing or unusual mole, a professional assessment can provide reassurance and determine whether further investigation is appropriate.
The London Mole Removal Centre provides specialist mole checks using clinical examination and dermoscopy, with full-body assessment and mole mapping available where appropriate.
Private Mole Checks & Removal
The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering diagnosis and treatment for skin lesions including moles, cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma, milia. All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field. Patients benefit from:
- No waiting lists
- Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
- Blemishes can usually be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get very quick treatment
- Choice of 4 clinics in London plus one in Bristol
- Testing with report provided where necessary
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.